GEORGE TOWN, May 21 -- The Penang state government is considering a complete ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) if the full enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) does not effectively curb their use.

Penang health, youth and sports committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen expressed readiness to consider such a ban to safeguard public health, especially among the youth.

"Act 852 will be fully enforced from October 1 this year, so we will assess the effectiveness of this mechanism," Gooi said during his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly today.

He noted that the implementation of the Act is currently in the registration phase for vape or electronic cigarette product...